Using the Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care book by Aubrey Hampton, and the EWG skin care web site, we will detail the meaning of each ingredient to see if the product’s integrity has declined since the acquisition by Estee Lauder of Burt’s Bees:

carageenan- Red seaweed. Irish moss. Approved by FDA but causes inflammation when ingested. Using it on the skin: in this case it can be a problematic result from separated a chemical constituent from the entire plant. People have been found to have eczema outbreaks with ingestion of this ingredient.

glycerin- Can be of an animal or a plant derivation. In this case it is not specified. Used to be specifically a bi-product of soap making using animal fats but there is mow a plant based source.

glycine soja (soybean) oil

stearic acid- A fatty wax. Gives the product a waxy feel. “Commercial stearic acid is often a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids, although purified stearic acid is available.” Wikipedia. Whether this has to be labeled can make the difference in the products safety. Palmitic acids-

glucose- sugar

sodium borate- Borax. This ingredient is listed as a moderate overall hazard. It has low to moderate developmental and reproductive toxicity, as listed by EWG Skin Deep website, with a note that the product is banned in Canada as a cosmetic. The reference for the potential harm to developmental and reproductive toxicity is found y European Union Classification and Labeling. The Canadian Environment Domestic List categorizes it as hazardous and banned as cosmetic. The FDA in The United States seems to find no problem with it which makes a consumer wonder if they have a high enough safety standard to use their approved products without reticence.

sodium chloride- table salt

citric acid- Acid from citrus fruits used as a skin peeling agent.

sucrose- sugar, monosaccharide

lactoperoxidase- enzyme found naturally in milk

glicose oxidase- catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to hydrogen. Sounds like a free radical causing substance. Used as a stabalizer in hair conditioner and skin cream. questionable toxicity level.

sodium benzoate- Preservative that is banned in Japan in cosmetics by Japan’s Standards of Cosmetics.

potassium sorbate- Potassium salt used as a preservative. Is an allergen.

potassium iodide- Inorganic antimicrobial salt.

potassium thiocyanate- inorganic salt

linalool – “Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. These have multiple commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent.” Wikipedia

I have been using this product on my eyes thinking that the richness would be healthy for around the eyes and nourishing. Needless to say after this research I will not be using this product on my face or even my hands anymore!

Burt’s Bees Carrot cream is up to $85.00 a jar because it has been discontinued! Here is the ingredients list: